Description:

**First Time At Auction**

Roman Empire, ca. 0 to 400 CE. This is a trio of American-football-shaped slingshot bullets made of lead. We are not certain why they were made in this shape; suggestions range from the pointed ends holding them into the slings to the shape allowing for a spiral path through the air. These small projectiles could be deadly: Virgil wrote of the Etruscan king Mezentius, "[he] dropped his spears, then made a sling. Go whipping round his head three times as he put stress upon it and he split the adversary’s temples with a molten leaden slug, knocking him down asplay on a bank of sand." Size of largest: 1.75" L x 0.8" W (4.4 cm x 2 cm)

Provenance: Ex- K. Dorney collection

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#113277

  • Condition: Expected wear, but shape is clear.

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March 27, 2017 10:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000